So Far, So Good For Steelers Rookie LB Jarvis Jones

A lot of eyes will be on Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones when the team dons the pads on Monday, but Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Sunday morning that the Georgia product has already impressed his teammates with his speed and athleticism so far during training camp.

Dulac says that Jones arrived at training camp weighing 248 pounds, which just so happens to be the same weight he was at both the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. While he is expected to put on weight over the course of the next few weeks, the needed bulk that Dulac expects him to add might take some time.

While weight and bulk seem to be the focus of Dulac\’s report, there still is the chore of learning the defense that might slow down Jones\’ ascension to the starting right outside linebacker spot more than anything else.

While he might be able to rush the passer off the edge, his ability to make his reads and adjust will be just as important as his need to show he can stand hold the edge against the run with NFL quality tackles attempting to turn him inside or out.

For now, impressed teammates or not, the starting spot belongs to Jason Worilds and Jones can\’t overtake him by simply looking good in shorts. With the padded practices and preseason games swiftly approaching, that is when Jones will really show the coaching staff whether or not he can become the Steelers first rookie defensive player since linebacker Kendrell Bell to open the regular season as a starter.

Woodley resembled a bicycle tire tube pumped to the max setting, however… [ in a good way]

Matt Searls

do you know who he impressed? and what he did to impress them?

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Honestly its just a common draft pick that Steelers love: blue-collared work ethnics, experience with similar scheme, and knack for something. I used to think Steelers jumped on his stats in college but there is other way to look at it.. in despite of his poor athleticism numbers, he managed to sum up that much of sacks against SEC schools… which just might displayed the IQ of his game, not overall.

woundedvet

Some people put too much emphasis on how a player looks in street clothes. Chris Carter last year looked thicker than Jarvis, but skinny Jarvis will probably make more plays. Tony Mandarich was in better shape than any proBowl offensiv tackle. If Gilbert looks like a huge blob I dont care as long as he can block well. The league has had so many players who looked not built well at all but were excellent on the field.